In 2007, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women commemorated its twenty-fifth anniversary. An impressive 185 Member States of the United Nations have become party to this Convention, thereby accepting its goal to prohibit all forms of discrimination against women and to provide for the practical realization of the principle of the equality of men and women.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has considered the progress made in the implementation of the Convention in 154 States parties through the reporting process, which involves a range of government officials at all levels and with diverse areas of expertise. The process also benefits from a vigilant and invested civil society.

Knowledge about the Convention, the Committee’s general recommendations and views under the Optional Protocol as well as about related actions taken domestically and about the results achieved for women through such efforts contributes to progress for all.

This compilation of the work of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women 1982 – 2007 was prepared by the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, which has provided substantive servicing to the Committee during its first twenty-five years. I congratulate the Division on this effort – I am confident that it will give easy access to this impressive achievement of the Committee to a wide audience.